Quote:
Originally Posted by the urban politician
I think this article clearly makes the case to rationally minded people that gentrification is not a major problem for Chicago.
Unfortunately, rational thought is often the enemy of good politics. So certain Aldermen in Avondale and Pilsen are going to continue to defy logic, pander, and fear monger to a certain demographic to get their votes. But the educated classes are going to keep pouring into the city--there is no doubt about that.
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The problem is two-fold (at least)...
1) Many, but obviously not MOST of the areas that are below average in both income and degree attainment tend to have higher crime rates.
2) Many, but not MOST of those same areas tend to have relatively poor transit access, except by bus, which is obviously going to be very slow given the narrow, congested main thoroughfares throughout much of the city.
Perceived, if not real crime issues as well as relatively poor transit access is a huge part of what divides rich from poor Chicago. Of course this is a gross generalization, but there's much truth to it nonetheless.
One thing is certain, however. The entire area from the South Loop through Chinatown into Hyde Park is going to be turning blue over the next decade or two.
Aaron (Glowrock)
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